MU 2017 November December

www.machineryupdate.co.uk NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 MACHINERY UPDATE 47
chain where machine vision
technology can yield similar
benefits.
On the production line,
cameras integrated with
image and optical character
recognition software can
identify packaging and read
alphanumeric strings such as
batch numbers on different
packaging types. The system
is capable of providing realtime
feedback to the controller
to confirm that certain
information is present and
readable on the package, such
as a 2D data matrix code.
If necessary, strings or serial
numbers can be read several
times so that even print errors
on packaging are detected.
The software also has the
potential to recognise if the
tamper evident feature is
present on the packaging
to ensure compliance with
this element of the directive.
For each deviation, the noncompliant
packaging is
removed from the production
and distribution cycle.
and irrefutable audit trail of
where each pack of medicine
has been in its journey.
It doesn’t stop at the hospital
door, either. The medicine
tracking cycle is completed at
the point of patient care, with
specially designed healthcare
mobile computers and
barcode scanners, housed in
anti-microbial and speciality
plastics that can withstand
repeated disinfectant cleaning.
T 01582 790020
W www.datalogic.com
MOBILE AVAILABILITY
“What many people don’t
realise is that the same
proprietary imaging
technology used to decode
2D barcodes in the automated
dispensary system and on
the production line, is also
integrated into Datalogic’s
range of mobile computers
and barcode scanners,”
says Robinson. During the
transportation of medicines
from factory to warehouse
and onto hospitals and
pharmacies, these handheld
devices can be used to track
consignments at carton and,
if required, item level as they
enter and exit each destination
along the supply chain.
In addition to capturing
the barcode, a signature on
screen and photograph of the
package can also be captured
to add to the audit trail and
confirm proof of delivery.
All of the information
captured can be transferred
in real-time to back office
systems, keeping an accurate